Karen J. Niemi

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Karen J. Niemi, 60, of Ironwood, passed away Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at home.

She was born Jan. 26, 1953, in Bessemer, daughter of Robert and Lois (Ellis) Symons. She graduated from the A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1971. She attended Gogebic Community College, and she received a lay ministry degree from Concordia College.

Karen had been the director of the day care program at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood until illness forced her retirement.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ironwood Township.

On March 25, 1972, she was united in marriage with Lonnie R. Niemi in Ironwood. He survives.

Karen is also survived by two sons, Lonnie Jr. (Dawn) Niemi and Douglas Niemi, both of Ironwood; one daughter, Dana Niemi, U.S. Army, Afghanistan; six grandchildren, Jory, Brayden, Emaleah, Elsa, Eliana and Evairah; her parents, Robert and Lois Symons, of Bessemer; two brothers, Robert (Wendy) Symons, of Bessemer, and John (Yvonne) Symons, of Richfield, Minn .; one sister, Nancy Blodgett, of Bessemer; and several nephews and nieces.

Karen was preceded in death by one grandson, Eli.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley, Wis.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood. Deacon Larry Oehlerking will officiate. 

The family will receive friends on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood.